A fast-spreading cholera outbreak has killed 12 people and sent over 230 others to hospitals across Niger State, officials said on Wednesday.
The outbreak started on Sunday in Shiroro Local Government Area but has now spread to at least six other LGAs including Minna, Bosso, Magama, Bisa, and Munya.
Healthcare workers confirmed that 239 people have been affected and are currently receiving treatment in different primary healthcare centres.
The Commissioner for Primary Healthcare, Dr Ibrahim Dangana, said the government has opened an isolation centre at the old wing of the Late Sen. Idris Kuta Primary Healthcare Centre in Minna to help stop the spread.
“We have established treatment and isolation centres in the affected LGAs to contain the outbreak,” Dangana said.
He added that the state had launched an aggressive awareness campaign through churches, mosques, and traditional institutions.
“Aggressive sensitisation campaigns are ongoing, targeting religious organisations like CAN and Islamic groups, as well as the eight emirates in the state,” he said.
Dangana praised Governor Mohammed Bago for acting quickly and also thanked donor agencies for their support.
Dr Ibrahim Idris, Director of Public Health at the Ministry of Tertiary Healthcare, said the worst-hit areas so far are Chanchaga, Minna, Bosso, and Shiroro.
